MTU South Africa has launched a new, standardised genset for diesel-electric propulsion and onboard power generation for the maritime industry.

The genset family consists of a workboat engine taken from the proven MTU Series 4000 ‘Ironmen’, with a choice of 8, 12 or 16 cylinders, a generator and electronic control system mounted on a rigid base frame. The genset is designed specifically for commercial marine applications, such as offshore supply vessels for wind parks or oil and gas platforms, and covers a power range from 760 to 2 240 kW. Engines can be configured for power outputs of up to 3 000 kW on request.

Propulsion systems for offshore supply vessels must comply with a wide range of requirements: they are required to deliver a high power output, but be low on fuel consumption; they must also be able to generate high torque very quickly in order to make the ships fast and manoeuverable. The robust MTU genset is ideal for this kind of work: with the aid of an advanced power management system, the gensets work at the optimal operating point whatever is required of them.

Flexible load distribution enables the fuel consumption to be reduced and the service life of the propulsion system increased. The genset also features a compact size and excellent load imposition characteristics and meets the provisions of all the current emission guidelines.

In addition to propulsion systems for offshore supply vessels, the Tognum Group, to which MTU belongs, has an extensive product portfolio for yachts, workboats, ferries and naval vessels and covers a power range from 260 to 9 100 kW with its Series 60, Series 2000, Series 396, Series 4000, Series 1163 and Series 8000 engines.

All marine engines are designed, manufactured and certified in accordance with internationally recognized classification societies. They comply with the International Maritime Organisation rules covering Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and can be operated with no restrictions at 100% capacity. The product range is supplemented by combined diesel and gas engine propulsion systems that are available for even higher speeds.

As a systems provider, the Tognum subsidiary also has the appropriate automation system to match the propulsion plant: the advanced and user-friendly Callosum automation system, which has been developed in-house, provides simple monitoring and control of the propulsion system and all connected functions to ensure optimal operation.

The extensive services provided under the MTU ValueCare program round out the company’s range of products. These include tailor-made maintenance contracts, extended warranty coverage, plus the reliable and fast supply of original, high-quality spare parts, in addition to remanufacturing services.